Gaining acceptance to medical school is getting tougher each year and, as competition gets more fierce, successful applicants will need to take steps to improve their competitive edge over others vying for the few class positions available. Quillen College of Medicine's Admissions Committee looks at the "whole person" when choosing applicants. A good grade point average and a competitive MCAT score are not all you need to get an acceptance offer from Quillen. The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants on the basis of demonstrated academic achievement, scores earned on the MCAT, letters of recommendation (when requested), pertinent extracurricular research and work experience, evidence of non-scholastic accomplishment, and clinically related experience demonstrating motivation for the study and practice of medicine. Experience should be varied as well as extensive.

Applicants should also consider carefully what is included in the personal comments section of the application. This is where each applicant has the opportunity to stand out by expressing what "special qualifications" they possess and what makes them different from the other 1,000-plus applicants applying for a position at Quillen.

Admission Preference

Quillen College of Medicine is a state-supported institution. Preference for admission is given to U.S. citizens or those who possess a U.S. Permanent Resident Visa and permanently reside in Tennessee. Applications from residents of Tennessee, TBR defined border counties and applicants from our contiguous Appalachian area are welcomed. Additionally, the college gives preference to active duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans of U.S. military service. (More information for Military personnel and Vets.) From these groups, preference is given to applicants who have received at least a baccalaureate level degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to matriculation. Applicants not meeting the above criteria are strongly discouraged from applying here. Of particular interest are those applicants giving strong evidence of their commitment to a career in primary care and/or rural medicine.

Under ETSU's Border County Policy, out-of-state students from the following counties, who meet the in-state tuition fee waiver requirement as undergraduate or graduate students at ETSU, shall be considered as Tennesseans for admissions and tuition fee payment purposes at the Quillen College of Medicine.

Residency status for admissions and fee payment purposes is determined at the time of application according to regulations established by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). A copy of the TBR guidelines for determining residency can be found at http://www.tbr.edu/policies/default.aspx?id=1532.

Criteria

Admission to the program of medical education at the Quillen College of Medicine is based on a competitive selection process involving applicants who meet the minimum requirements for admission. The criteria for admission are integrity, willingness, and ability to assume responsibility, high scholastic achievement, maturity, intellectual curiosity, and sound motivation. The College of Medicine emphasizes and continues its commitment to the goal of increasing the number of qualified physicians in rural health and in currently under-represented minority groups and actively promotes and encourages applicants from these groups. Eligibility for admission shall be determined without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.

At Quillen College of Medicine, the admissions and financial aid processes are conducted independently of one another. An applicant is selected for admission on the basis of personal and academic qualifications utilizing the holistic review concept. The fact that you may need financial assistance with your education has no bearing on your selection. You must be aware, however, that an offer of admission does not imply a guarantee of financial assistance. You must apply separately for financial aid and meet aid criteria to qualify. Complete information and directions are provided to accepted and continuing medical students.